The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has announced the commencement of mandatory Specialized Detective Training and establishment of new Detective Colleges across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria for all Officers deployed to CID or other investigation units to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex criminal cases.
He said these colleges will serve as centres of excellence, providing robust training programs not only for police officers but also for private detectives. The expansion of detective training facilities will increase access to high-quality education in criminal investigation, contributing to the overall professionalization of investigative services in the country.
IGP Egbetokun who made this announcement today at a workshop on enhancing professionalism and standardization in criminal Investigation, held for all Heads of Police Investigating and Intelligence Units across the country at the Nigeria Police Resource and Conference Centre, Abuja stressed that the new Detective Colleges will foster collaboration between public law enforcement and private security providers, enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
He also declared that officers in the Intelligence Department will also be required to undergo specialized training. Those deployed to intelligence roles must complete the basic intelligence training program at the Intelligence School in Share, Kwara State.
"Like their counterparts in the CID, their deployment will be governed by a structured system of mobilization and demobilization, ensuring that only well-trained personnel occupy sensitive intelligence roles. This process will guarantee that the Force's intelligence operations are staffed by officers with the expertise required to gather, analyse, and act on intelligence in a professional and effective manner." he said
IGP Egbetokun also stressed on professionalism within ranks said it is not merely an expectation but a cornerstone of operational effectiveness and public trust. It underpins the credibility of the criminal justice system, ensuring that investigations are carried out with utmost integrity, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law. This commitment to professional conduct is essential in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that justice is administered without prejudice.
He noted that a high standard of professionalism enhances the image of the Police Force, fostering trust and cooperation from the community we serve. This trust is critical, especially in sensitive cases, as it ensures public confidence in the outcomes of our investigations and the methods by which they are conducted.
IGP Egbetokun added that criminal investigations require specialized skills that go beyond routine policing, hence officers deployed to the CID or other investigation units must undergo comprehensive training programs to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex criminal cases.
He stressed that it is now mandatory for all officers to complete the Specialized Professional Training Program at recognized institutions such as the Police Detective College, Enugu, or other designated detective colleges in Nigeria.
He said as for senior officers, the Revised Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos is compulsory. This training will cover advanced investigative techniques, forensics, legal frameworks, and the ethical obligations of detectives. Only those who meet these high standards will be certified as detectives, ensuring that the CID is staffed by capable, ethical, and professionally trained officers.
He explained that upon successful completion of the requisite training, officers will be awarded the title of Detective, signifying their expertise in criminal investigation. This certification will reflect in their ranks (e.g., Detective Constable, Detective Corporal, Detective Sergeant) up to the rank of CSP, formalizing their status as highly trained professionals.
"This designation not only elevates the role of detectives within the Force but also fosters a culture of pride and accountability. It will be a badge of honour that distinguishes officers who have committed to mastering the complexities of criminal investigation." he added
IGP Egbetokun also announced an annual Detective Workshops to ensure detectives continually update their skills and knowledge. These workshops will cover new developments in forensic science, digital crime investigations, emerging criminal patterns, and legal updates. The workshops will be mandatory, serving as a professional development platform to keep our detectives informed and effective in tackling modern criminal challenges.
"The ever-evolving nature of crime demands that our detectives remain at the cutting edge of investigative practices. To this end, annual workshops will be instituted" he said
Speaking on Child Justice System which is part of the law that provides for how children in conflict with the law, may be treated under the legal system, the guest Lecturer, a Professor of Law, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa from the University of Lagos said, it is not exactly true that a child may not be brought to court in Nigeria.
Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa said the idea of the law is that we should have a separate and autonomous child justice system but unfortunately, that whole structure, system, is yet to be fully put in place in all our jurisdictions, and that creates challenges.
She noted that it is not exactly correct that a child who has committed an offense may not be brought before the court. The law allows the child to be brought to court. What the law says is that in every jurisdiction, there should be a special court. The name that the law gives to it is the family court.
"I may not have loved, I may not have, I do not, I would have wished that that was not the name, because it gives that impression that it is only matters relating to the family, matters relating to adoption, guardianship, divorce, and all of the guardianship, custody. But no, the law expects that that court should take care of the treatment of offenders.
The law elaborates the whole procedure in the same way as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act elaborates the procedure for the treatment of an offender under the criminal justice system. The law elaborates the procedure. It affirms the rights of children.
"Act that was passed in 2003, and it is the law that encompasses everything that has to do with children in Nigeria. It has a whole part tagged, labeled, titled, Child Justice System.
SpyeTV News reports that the conference which was attended by all Heads of Police Investigating and Intelligence Units across the country is a platform to unite NPF efforts to uphold and enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system.
"By refining our investigative practices, we commit to safeguarding the foundations of justice, ensuring that our procedures are thorough, unbiased, and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards. This commitment is crucial for maintaining public trust and enhancing the image of our police force within the community and the nation at large." IGP Egbetokun affirmed